October 6, 2008

One of my co-workers recently celebrated his 45th anniversary with the company. Although it's a totally different occasion, I found that the traditional gift for couples who've been married 45 years is something sapphire-related. Good to know.

I gave him peanut butter bars.

Sometimes I think I'd prefer sweets over sapphires. What's more, if given sapphires, I'd be tempted to pawn them and use the money for sweets. But that's just me--I've never been much for bling.

I asked the honoree if anything I'd brought in over the past ten months had tickled his fancy, and he immediately responded, "That's easy--those peanut butter crunchy bar-type thingies." Fortunately, I was able to deduce what he meant.

These are so easy, I almost felt guilty. After all, 45 years with one company should earn a person a much more decadent and labor-intensive treat. Eh, this is what he wanted, so this is what he got. They are awfully good.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and caramel sauce. Heat until mixture boils. Add peanut butter and stir until well-blended. Heat a bit more if necessary. Stir in vanilla. Fold in cereal. Spread into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish lined with wax paper. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until set. Cut into squares.

"It's a Saphire anniversary, so I gave him peanut butter bars." Grace, you do crack me up. In the end saphires might create a lump in ones stomach, and peanut butter bars go down goooood. So, I say, good call!

45 years! That's almost as amazing as 54 comments! Seriously, Grace, those are pretty delish-looking, and I just kidded you over at Simmer about "putting peanut butter in everything." Do I know my bloggers or what?